Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast

Why Your Google Profile Matters More Than Your Website- MDL Episode 382

Wondering why your landscaping business gets buried in Google search results? Scott breaks down the most important ranking factors that actually move the needle, based on a new report from top local SEO experts.
 
If you've ever felt frustrated watching a competitor show up higher than you on Google, or seen your own rankings disappear overnight, this episode explains exactly why. The game has changed, and it all starts with your Google Business Profile—the single most important factor for getting found by local customers.
 
Scott walks through the surprising takeaways from the report, including why Google pushes your business down if you're listed as 'closed' during a search, why the recency of your reviews matters more than the total number, and how to properly fill out your 'Services' section to tell Google exactly which jobs you want. These are the simple, powerful tweaks that have the biggest impact on your visibility.
 
Welcome to The Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast w/ Scott Molchan, the landscaper-turned-coach who helps business owners stop spinning their wheels, build smart systems, and run a profitable company without burning out. On this podcast, you’ll learn how to attract better customers, price your work for profit, and scale your business.
 
👉 Need help optimizing your Google Business Profile? This is a service we offer! Reach out to learn more.
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
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How to Protect Your Landscaping Business from Lawsuits- MDL Episode 381

From employee truck accidents to client slip-and-falls, are you prepared for the legal risks that come with running a landscaping business? This episode gives you the essential legal game plan every lawn care owner needs.
 
Scott sits down with personal injury attorney Ryan Schwartz of Schwartz Trial Law to walk through the worst-case scenarios that can threaten your company. They break down exactly what to do when an employee is in an accident, how to handle client slip-and-fall claims, and why having the right insurance coverage is your best defense against costly lawsuits.
 
If you’ve ever worried about losing your business over a legal mistake, this conversation is for you. Learn how to protect your assets, what to look for in a good attorney, and the simple steps you can take today to legally safeguard your company’s future.
 
Connect with Ryan Schwartz (For business in Georgia):
Website: https://www.schwartztriallaw.com/
Email: Ryan@SchwartzTrialLaw.com
Phone: 678-460-7568
 
👉 Ready to implement systems like this? Check out the Profits Up Inner Circle at https://milliondollarlandscaper.com/innercircle
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
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Why Your ChatGPT Contract Could Cost You Thousands- MDL Episode 380

Thinking about using ChatGPT for your client contracts? Before you do, you’ll want to hear this conversation with attorney Jesse Jones. He joins Scott to break down why having a solid, lawyer-reviewed contract is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your landscaping business—even for simple lawn maintenance jobs. They cover the risks of verbal agreements, the right way to structure subcontractor contracts, and why a good contract is your best defense when things go wrong.
 
The conversation then shifts to the long game: selling your business. Jesse explains what private equity buyers are looking for and how simple things like recurring revenue contracts and clean financials can dramatically increase your company’s value. You’ll learn the biggest mistakes that kill deals during the diligence process and the practical steps you can take now to prepare for a profitable exit, even if you’re years away from selling.
 
Welcome to The Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast, where host Scott Molchan helps business owners stop spinning their wheels and start building a profitable company. On this podcast, you’ll learn how to attract better customers, price your work for profit, and scale your landscaping business with smart systems.
 
Connect with Jesse Jones:
Exit Ready Assessment: https://www.fourscorelaw.com/onair
Website: fourscorelaw.com/onair
LinkedIn: Jesse Jones
 
👉 Ready to implement systems like this? Check out the Profits Up Inner Circle at https://milliondollarlandscaper.com/innercircle
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
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Why Your Landscape Photos Are Costing You Sales- MDL Episode 379

 
In this episode, Scott brings back professional landscape photographer Scott Johnsen to discuss why high-quality photos are one of the most underestimated assets for a landscaping or lawn care business. They dive into what separates a professional, catalog-ready image from a simple iPhone snapshot and how incredible photos can directly impact your sales and client perception.
 
Scott Johnsen shares his insider perspective on what he looks for on a job site, from avoiding common mistakes like messy backgrounds to staging furniture for that perfect "lived-in" lifestyle shot. You’ll learn the best time of day to shoot, why communicating with the homeowner is critical, and the simple tips you can use to take better photos yourself—even if you don't have the budget to hire a pro right now.
 
If you’ve ever wondered if investing in professional photography is worth it or just want to make your project photos look more polished and professional, this episode gives you the blueprint. Learn how to showcase your work in a way that attracts better clients, justifies higher prices, and builds your brand.
 
Connect with Scott Johnsen:
Website: sjohnson.co
 
👉 Ready to implement systems like this? Check out the Profits Up Inner Circle at MillionDollarLandscaper.com.
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
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The ADHD Trap: Why Landscapers Scale Chaos (and How to Stop)- MDL Episode 378

Do you ever feel like your landscaping business is on fire and you're just running around putting out flames? If you're tired of being a reactive firefighter and want to get in control, this episode is your blueprint.
 
Scott sits down with Skye Waterson, founder of Unconventional Organization, to tackle the chaos that burns out so many business owners. They dive into why many entrepreneurs, especially those with ADHD or similar tendencies, get trapped in a cycle of "scaling chaos"—growing the business without the systems to support it. Skye shares the common signs you might be working against your brain, from time blindness to struggling with delegation.
 
You’ll get Skye’s practical "Focus Formula" to figure out what to do first when you have 200 things on your list (hint: there are never more than five truly urgent tasks). You'll also learn a simple, AI-powered way to start delegating tasks, break free from the "no one can do it as well as me" mindset, and finally build a business that doesn't depend on you to do everything.
 
Welcome to The Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast w/ Scott Molchan, a show for business owners who want to stop spinning their wheels and build a profitable company without the burnout.
 
Connect with Skye Waterson:
Website: unconventionalorganization.com
Instagram: @unconventionalorganization (Message her for the free AI chatbots mentioned in the episode!)
Podcast: The ADHD Skills Lab
 
👉 Ready to implement systems like this? Check out the Profits Up Inner Circle at MillionDollarLandscaper.com.
 
If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
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Stop Blaming Your Crew—Fix Your Process Instead- MDL Episode 377

If you’ve ever told your crew to do something and they still didn’t do it—or do it right—this episode is for you.
 
Stop blaming your team and start fixing what’s actually broken: your process. In this episode, Scott Molchan breaks down the biggest blind spot in the green industry and shares a simple five-part framework that will help you figure out why things aren’t getting done the way you want. This is the secret to getting your team to perform without you having to babysit them.
 
You’ll learn the only five reasons a task gets missed, from unclear instructions (what does “clean up the job site” really mean?) to hidden obstacles that are slowing your crew down. Scott shares real-world examples of how to fix each one, whether it’s through better training, clearer deadlines, or smarter incentives. This is how you build a business where your people can win.
 
Welcome to The Million Dollar Landscaper Podcast w/ Scott Molchan, a landscaper-turned-coach helping business owners stop spinning their wheels, build smart systems, and finally run a profitable company without burning out.
 
👉 Ready to implement systems like this? Check out the Profits Up Inner Circle at MillionDollarLandscaper.com. ⭐ If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help us reach more landscapers
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
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ICE Crackdowns, I-9 Fines, and Legal Labor Solutions MDL Episode 376

Are your I-9 forms compliant, or are you at risk for massive fines? Immigration attorney Nataly Mualem joins the show to discuss the sharp increase in I-9 audits and ICE enforcement targeting landscaping businesses.
With labor shortages and shifting government policies, it’s easy to get caught off guard by simple paperwork mistakes that can lead to six-figure fines. Nataly breaks down exactly what an I-9 form is, why every single employee (even U.S. citizens) needs one, and the most common errors that put businesses at risk.
This episode is a must-listen for any landscaping owner who wants to protect their company. You’ll learn the step-by-step process for conducting a self-audit, how to properly correct mistakes you find, and why classifying workers as “independent contractors” isn’t the simple fix you might think it is.
 
Find Nataly Mualem:
Website: https://www.mualemfirm.com/
 
👉 Action Step: Want to stop attracting the wrong kind of leads? A professional, clean website does the filtering for you. Our team at LeadSpeed builds lead-generating 5-page landscape websites for just $97/month. No tech headaches, just better calls.
 
Head over to LeadSpeed.io to get your website working for you!
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
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How to Grow Beyond the Day-to-Day Grind- MDL Episode 375

As a landscaping business owner, are you focused on the right kind of growth? Scott welcomes Ezra McCarthy of Green Frog Web Design to discuss why chasing more revenue and bigger jobs can actually keep your business stuck.
 
It’s easy to get caught in the day-to-day grind of running your company, but if you’re not growing personally, your business will eventually hit a ceiling. Scott and Ezra break down John Maxwell’s “Law of the Lid”—the idea that your company’s potential is limited by your own development. They share personal stories about shifting from a small-time operator mindset to thinking like a CEO.
 
This episode is for you if you feel like you’re working harder than ever but not getting ahead. You’ll learn how to identify the real constraints holding your business back, why your personal growth directly impacts your bottom line, and practical ways to start learning from others—even when you’re on a tight budget.
 
Find Ezra McCarthy:
Podcast: The Lawn Care Blueprint
Website: GreenFrogWebDesign.com or ILoveMyFrog.com
 
👉 Action Step: Want to stop attracting the wrong kind of leads? A professional, clean website does the filtering for you. Our team at LeadSpeed builds lead-generating 5-page landscape websites for just $97/month. No tech headaches, just better calls.
 
Head over to LeadSpeed.io to get your website working for you!
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

How Solo Operators Win Against Big Crews- MDL Episode 374

Is bigger always better in the landscaping business? This week, Scott brings on Evan Lindman and Greg Durbin from the Turf Nerds Podcast to talk about why staying small, lean, and professional can be more profitable—and enjoyable—than running a massive operation.
 
Evan and Greg are in the trenches daily as owner-operators, and they share exactly how they’ve built dense, profitable routes by focusing on what the big crews often miss: the personal touch. You’ll learn why old-school flyers still beat Facebook ads, how being the “eyes on the property” builds incredible trust with clients, and the simple ways professionalism helps you win better jobs from competitors who are just trying to get to the next lawn as fast as possible.
 
This episode is for any landscaping or lawn care owner who feels the pressure to scale but wonders if there’s a better way. Before you think about adding more trucks and crews, listen to this conversation about how to “count the cost” and build a thriving business that serves you, your family, and your clients without the headaches of managing a large team.
 
👉 Action Step: Want to stop attracting the wrong kind of leads? A professional, clean website does the filtering for you. Our team at LeadSpeed builds lead-generating 5-page landscape websites for just $97/month. No tech headaches, just better calls.
 
Head over to LeadSpeed.io to get your website working for you!
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

The Real Cost of Your Worst Landscaping Client- MDL Episode 373

Tired of that one nightmare client who's costing you money and sanity? This episode is your guide to firing bad landscaping clients professionally and protecting your business profitability.
 
Every landscaping business owner has that one customer who makes your stomach drop when their name pops up. They nitpick every job, constantly question your prices, and treat you like "the help." Scott is breaking down the real cost of keeping toxic clients—it's not just annoying, it actively drains your team's time, your profits, and your mental energy.
 
You’ll learn how to tell the difference between a picky customer and a truly toxic one, and the necessary steps to take before you hit "send" on that breakup text. We cover setting clear boundaries, having one final conversation, and how to fire a client like a business pro (not an emotional mess) to keep your reputation clean.
 
We also dive into the five biggest red flags to watch out for so you can start getting pickier before the job even begins. Remember: the goal isn't to work for everyone; it’s to work for the right clients who respect your time and your price.
 
👉 Action Step: Want to stop attracting the wrong kind of leads? A professional, clean website does the filtering for you. Our team at LeadSpeed builds lead-generating 5-page landscape websites for just $97/month. No tech headaches, just better calls.
 
Head over to LeadSpeed.io to get your website working for you!
 
Follow Million Dollar Landscaper:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube